Week 4 of the MLB season saw the rise of Ronald Acuña, the Atlanta Braves phenom outfielder and the pitching debut of Pablo Sandoval, the San Francisco Giants top pitching prospect—it’s sad how close to accurate that may be. Inquiring minds can debate which was more exciting.
As we see the week close, let’s take a look at the staff league’s top performers and closest matchups!
As always, feel free to take a closer look at our rosters, transactions, and matchups by following these links: Legacy League, Prodigy League, Futures League
Legacy League
Best Performance—OHMYGODITSAFIRE sale (Alex Fast)
Continuing his impressive streak, Alex Fast remains undefeated after a crushing 7-2-1 victory over Max Posner. Handing Max his first loss of the season, Fast’s team was led by Freddie Freeman, the blazing-hot Mitch Haniger, and two ace level starts from Gerrit Cole. When asked to comment on his early season success, Fast said this: “I’m feeling pretty good to be one of two remaining undefeated teams [in the Legacy League]. Acuña was able to give my offense a much-needed kick in the butt. However, the injury to Patrick Corbin could really hinder my team.” Alex’s team will be facing Kyle Bishop (2-2) in Week 5.
Closest Matchup—Taijuana Brass (Ben Pernick) vs. M-M-M-Mookie and the Betts (Ben Palmer)
There were many close matchups this week in the Legacy League: Nick Pollack lost his week to Dave Cherman by a single out in ERA while a tie in strikeouts was the determining factor in the bout between Andrew Todd-Smith and Ian Post. This week in The Battle of the Ben’s came down to the wire this week, as Ben Palmer came out on top, winning 5-4-1. The difference in this one was a tie in RBI. Quoted saying, “I’m amazed, I beat Ben Pernick by literally one RBI. Like, had any of his players hit one more RBI, we would’ve tied this week” it was apparent that Palmer appreciated how lucky he had been.
Prodigy League
Best Performance—Syndergaarden Cop (Jonathan Metzelaar)
Okay, this is getting out of hand. After a decisive 7-3 victory over Michael Grennell (0-4) Jonathan Metzelaar now stands alone as the only undefeated team in the Prodigy League. Impressive performances from Trea Turner, Jake Arrieta, and Sean Manaea have seen Jon to yet another victory in Week 4. Obviously confident, teetering on drunk with power, Jonathan was quoted saying this after his latest triumph: “Michael Grennell fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to the same fate that will greet you all in the end: swift defeat at the hands of Fantasy God King Jonathan Metzelaar.” Jason Dunbar (1-3) will be the next to attempt to topple the Prodigy League’s big daddy.
Closest Matchup—DFSers Anonymous (Troy Klauder) vs. good Kris, M.A.A.d. Robbie (Jason Dunbar)
Despite a seemingly decisive 6-3-1 result, this matchup could easily have swung the other way. Jason Dunbar’s (1-3) squad only trailed Troy Klauder’s (2-2) by 4 runs, .0025 points of average (2 hits), and tied in RBI. Had a few balls fallen differently, Jason could easily be the one with his second win of the season instead of Troy.
Futures League
Best Performance—Team Gorman (Brennen Gorman)
For the second time in the Pitcher List staff leagues, a matchup has ended 10-0. This time around, Brennen Gorman (3-1) dominated Mike Wexler (1-3), winning every single category handily. Having Didi Gregorious and his 10 RBIs definitely didn’t hurt Brennen this week! I would like to note that the final result of ERA for both squads was 5.09 – 5.26, which just goes to show, even when everything goes right, something will be a bit off. Brennen will face off next against Paul Martin (1-2-1).
Closest Matchup—House Acree (Tim Acree) vs. The Hans Molemen (Ben Chang)
As close as the Legacy was this week, the Futures League was anything but. The only particularly close matchup saw Ben Chang (2-1-1) defeat Tim Acree (2-2) by a final score of 5-4-1. While Ben took all pitching categories save for a tie in wins, Tim won four hitting categories, conceding RBI by only one run batted in. Had Tim’s squad hit just one more RBI or had one more win, the result of this contest would have been flipped.
Final Notes
This week, I’d like to take a moment to appreciate Jake Bridges. This hardworking Atlanta Braves fan has been contributing to the Batters Box since the season opener, earning him the respect and appreciation of the whole Pitcher List staff. And yet, Jake has yet to win a single week in the Prodigy League. Despite his best efforts, Jake is sitting on a 0-4 record; just this past week his squad led the Prodigy League is wins and strikeouts, and yet, here we are. In a simple letter to his fans, admires, and loved ones Jake wrote this: “Ok this is starting to get absurd. I swear I’m not this bad at fantasy baseball.”
We know, Jake. We know.